"I want to shop like a man."

I first became aware of Jennifer Alfano’s jewelry line on Instagram, of course, and it was this ring that drew me in. Then this one, then this pendant. I admired her and her minimalist, tightly edited wardrobe from afar for years, and it was kind of by chance that I noticed a mutual friend wearing a ring of hers and helped set up a trunk show of her work in my store. That ring is one I now wear every day. Jennifer’s jewelry is, like her, precise and specific. A really tricky to nail balance of emotional and clean, it is graphic and bold, but not loud. It doesn’t wear you.

We had a blast together in my store, getting to hang out for two days, and I was really happy to continue the conversation here, and learn even more about her. She was the first journalist to write about Alexander McQueen and has the most incredible stories about working in magazines in their heyday.

Her shopping strategy was especially fascinating to me, but the conversation went in every direction—from developing your style as you age, building a business, resisting impulse purchases, I went on a tangent about sobriety and emotions, and also why it’s a good thing if some people don’t like you. We also talked a lot about how we maintain our creative spark, and stay on our own paths, despite facing near constant distraction.

She is just the best, and if you’re not reading her newsletter yet, go read. Her taste is just perfect.

Your friend(s)

Laurel & Jennifer